MDP: Saeed sought legal counsel, acted lawfully

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) asserted on Monday that Ahmed Saeed Mohamed, former Managing Director of Fenaka Corporation, acted in accordance with the law despite his recent conviction for corruption and a four-year jail sentence.

Saeed, who served as Fenaka's managing director during the previous administration, was sentenced on Sunday for allegedly entering into a settlement agreement with Blazon Inc. without any services rendered. He faced charges of abuse of official position.

The conviction followed a special audit report on Fenaka by the Auditor General's Office and widespread public criticism.

In response, the MDP legal team claimed at a press conference on Monday that the government has been obstructing the party's planned 'Lootuvaifi, Lootuvaifi' rally scheduled for October 3, ever since its announcement.

Mauroof, who previously worked in the Legal Department of the President's Office, highlighted the swift conclusion of Saeed’s trial, which he noted was completed in a mere day or two. He contrasted this with numerous other cases forwarded to the Prosecutor General's Office that remain pending, despite the rapid resolution of Saeed’s case.

"The entire case involves the state claiming that Saeed, while serving as Managing Director, signed a settlement agreement with the intention of securing an unfair advantage for a specific group. What occurred in this case was an agreement that Saeed had signed prior to assuming the position, on a retainer basis," Mauroof stated.

He further noted that Blazon Inc. had been actively pursuing payment for services since Saeed assumed office.

The Criminal Court's ruling on Sunday pertained to such a case, with Mauroof explaining that retainer agreements entail monthly payments regardless of whether the contracted company performs work.

"After Saeed took over the post, we have information that discussions were held on such unresolved and problematic cases at the level of various departments of the company. Especially the advice of the legal department," he added.

Mauroof emphasized that Saeed sought advice from Fenaka’s legal department before proceeding, which indicated that Fenaka would incur a substantial financial liability if Blazon pursued legal action for damages.

Consequently, the company's legal department recommended proceeding with a settlement agreement, deeming it beneficial for Fenaka.

He explained that the settlement agreement between Fenaka and Blazon was contingent upon Blazon reducing its claim for damages and simultaneously committing to provide services to Fenaka for an additional 17 months.

Therefore, Mauroof concluded that this decision was not solely and directly Saeed's.

Mauroof also expressed the MDP's initial belief that the case lacked sufficient weight for a conviction and that such charges against Saeed would not be substantiated. However, he noted the Criminal Court's sudden imposition of a more severe sentence, which has seemingly shoved MDP into action. 

The party had released a statement on Sunday evening slamming the government for political play in imprisoning Fenaka Saeed, also alleging there too, that the motivatrion behind the case is to make hindrances for the upcoming MDP rally.